Connecting your solar system to the grid
Before installing a solar PV system, you need to have approval from your electricity distributor to connect your system to the grid.
Network connection agreements
A network connection agreement application must be lodged and approved by your electricity distributor before you have solar installed. While this form is usually lodged on your behalf by your solar installer, it’s important to understand your electricity distributor’s connection process.
If you live in:
- South East Queensland your electricity distributor is Energex
- Regional Queensland your electricity distributor is Ergon Energy or Origin Energy if you’re connected to the Essential Energy network.
If you already have solar and are considering upgrading your inverter or increasing the number of solar panels on your roof, you should contact your electricity distributor before making any changes to your current set up.
Requirements for large solar and battery systems
From 6 February 2023, new or replacement rooftop solar PV and battery storage systems of 10 kilovolt amperes or greater will be required to install a generation signalling device.
Read more about how Queensland’s new emergency backstop mechanism will safeguard the stability of the grid and support the continued uptake of renewables across the state.
How your electricity meter operates
You will also need to have a new digital meter installed to measure the solar power you export to the grid. This is required before you connect to the grid.
This may mean you need to have your existing meter modified or a new meter installed.
The following explains how your new meter works with a solar power system:
- electricity generated by the solar power system helps to power your home first
- any excess electricity can be fed instantaneously into the grid
- the meter records the amount of electricity you have exported to the grid, rather than the total amount of electricity generated by the solar power system
- power comes from the electricity grid when the solar power system is not generating enough power.
If something goes wrong
Find out your rights and who to call for help if something goes wrong with your solar power.